RF Position Tracking Recovery via Phase Difference Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Position tracking systems for RF transmitting devices face accuracy reductions due to multipath interference and line-of-sight blockages, which can cause loss of tracking.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a network of four or more spatially separated antennas to calculate new phase difference data and identify candidate position solutions, allowing for the recovery of the RF transmitting device's position using an acceptable solution, thereby resuming tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional position tracking using time difference of arrival is used, then position determination can be achieved, but accuracy is reduced due to multipath interference and line-of-sight blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating multiple candidate position solutions in advance and pre-establishing validation criteria. When tracking loss occurs, these pre-calculated candidates and validation frameworks enable rapid position recovery without requiring complete re-tracing, thus maintaining accuracy despite multipath interference and line-of-sight blockages.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter approach by transitioning from single-best-position estimation to multi-candidate position solution generation. By evaluating multiple possible positions against validation criteria and selecting the most acceptable one, the system maintains measurement precision even when harmful factors like multipath interference distort signal paths.
2Measurement precision
If multiple candidate position solutions are evaluated to recover from tracking loss, then position accuracy can be maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by evaluating only a subset of candidate position solutions rather than exhaustively checking all possibilities. By using validation criteria to filter and select the most acceptable candidates, the system achieves sufficient position recovery accuracy without the computational burden of complete enumeration, thus managing complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback mechanisms through validation criteria that continuously assess candidate position solutions against established performance thresholds. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically select acceptable positions and resume tracking, reducing the manual intervention and complex processing that would otherwise be required to handle tracking losses.
3Productivity
If tracking resumes using an acceptable position solution, then continuous position determination can be maintained, but reliability is reduced when tracking is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for tracking loss events by pre-calculating multiple candidate position solutions and establishing validation criteria in advance. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when tracking loss occurs due to multipath interference or line-of-sight blockages, the system can rapidly recover using pre-prepared candidates rather than being caught unprepared, thus maintaining both continuity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the reliability parameter by transitioning from single-position dependency to multi-candidate position evaluation. By selecting the most acceptable position from multiple validated candidates, the system maintains tracking reliability during loss events, ensuring continuous and accurate position determination even when signal paths are degraded.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively improves the accuracy and reliability of RF transmitting device position tracking by recovering from multipath interference and line-of-sight blockages, ensuring continuous and precise location determination.
Implementation Method 1
calculate a position of RF-transmitting device based on time of arrival information of the RF signals received by the four or more antennas
Implementation Method 2
new phase difference data are calculated from RF signals transmitted by the RF-transmitting device and received at four or more antennas
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for recovering from a failure during the position tracking of an RF-transmitting device includes tracking the position of the radio frequency (RF) transmitting device based on RF signals emitted by the RF-transmitting device. If the tracking loses the position of the RF-transmitting device, new phase difference data are calculated from the RF signals transmitted by the RF-transmitting device and received at four or more antennas. A subset of candidate position solutions for evaluation is identified based on the new phase difference data. One or more of the candidate position solutions in the subset is evaluated to find an acceptable position solution. The tracking of the position of the RF-transmitting device resumes using the acceptable position solution.